That is what I learned yesterday.
A run into Target to get a birthday gift (for a last minute party get-together) will lead to a browse past the clearance section, and you will buy things that will be needed in the future. $5.98 a pair for new dance shorts for my girls, $4.98 denim shorts for my sons (one of them did have holes in this year's pair and out they went).
The birthday child (of your own) who has $50 to spend WILL spend $55.
Frozen chicken fillets will be on sale for $5 a bag (we are big poultry eaters here).
The birthday gift will be $15, but then DS will decide that he would like to wrap the gift and would like wrapping paper (and he has kindly offered his services - for a fee - for Christmas, since he likes to wrap). Add on $4 for a roll of wrapping paper and a card.
Thankfully we have all the groceries we need for the week (save a gallon of milk and a dozen eggs ~ $4 at Aldi's), and the gas tanks are full.
STAY AWAY FROM TARGET IF YOU ARE TRYING TO PROTECT A SURPLUS. OR SHOP BY YOURSELF. NOTHING WORSE THAN SIX OTHER INDIVIDUALS SHOPPING IN TARGET POINTING AT THE NEAT THINGS THEY SEE. "NO! OUR DOG ISN'T GETTING A HALLOWEEN COSTUME!!"
Anyhow, on the last money note of the post, I will maintain the EF of $14,000. I will pay $600 to credit card debt this month. I will pay an additional $50 to the mortgage principle. I will pay $1,000 toward the upcoming dance bill (it is quite expensive to compete at a semi-national level). All in all, it is still looking good.
One little trip to Target can wipe out your budget surplus in a moment flat.
October 11th, 2010 at 01:38 pm
October 11th, 2010 at 02:46 pm 1286808372
October 11th, 2010 at 03:05 pm 1286809557
I have a friend whose hobby is to browse. And he can't resist a good "deal" anywhere, not just a particular store. Then he mews about being in debt. When I suggest he not browse and stay out of stores and find a different hobby, he tells me he simply doesn't want to!
October 11th, 2010 at 03:53 pm 1286812386
October 11th, 2010 at 06:30 pm 1286821855
It's so awful---
October 11th, 2010 at 06:43 pm 1286822630
No, had I seen your post I might have heeded any warnings ... but then again, I might have failed miserably ... thinking I could withstand the pressure of the trip -- or the "helpers" I had with me.
October 11th, 2010 at 10:29 pm 1286836196
We need a support group. But I do own Target stock!
October 12th, 2010 at 04:00 pm 1286899203
October 12th, 2010 at 10:54 pm 1286924090